A survey conducted by Western Exterminator, which gathered responses from over 1,000 individuals in the United States, has revealed that common household pests, such as mice and bed bugs, cause more than mere discomfort. They can also negatively affect your social and dating experiences.

    Below, I go over the results of the survey, breaking it down and expanding upon its findings.


    Survey Unveils Widespread Discomfort with Mice and Bed Bugs

    The survey found that a substantial majority of respondents reported feeling uncomfortable when confronted with the idea of sharing their living spaces with mice and bed bugs

    Specifically:

    • 84% expressed discomfort at the thought of having mice in their homes.
    • 89% expressed discomfort at the idea of living with bed bugs.

    This discomfort isn’t just confined to the realm of emotion — it also impacts our social interactions and the sanctity of our homes. 

    The survey further uncovered:

    • 63% would be less inclined to invite family, friends, and even romantic partners over if they had a mouse infestation.
    • 79% of respondents felt the same way about hosting guests in a home with a bed bug issue.

    The Emotional Burden of Pest Infestations

    For many respondents, the presence of mice and bed bugs would cause intense feelings of guilt and self-consciousness:

    • 81% admitted that a mice infestation in their home would make them feel guilty.
    • 86% would feel guilty about having bed bugs in their living space.

    Interestingly, there were differences in the emotional response between men and women. Men reported feeling more guilt about having mice, while women were more likely to experience guilt when it came to bed bugs.


    Impact on Dating and Romantic Relationships

    The survey didn’t stop at the discomfort and guilt associated with common pest infestations (mice, bed bugs, fleas, and more). It also delved into the effect these pests can have on dating and romantic lives.

    • 31% of respondents declared that they would not consider dating someone who had mice in their home.
    • 50% of those surveyed were uninterested in dating someone with bed bugs.

    The divide in responses between genders was also evident regarding bed bugs. Women displayed a stronger aversion to becoming romantically involved with someone dealing with a bed bug infestation:

    • 58% of women stated that they would not date someone with bed bugs.
    • 8% of women expressed a willingness to date someone facing a bed bug problem.

    Real-Life Encounters with Pests

    To add depth and context to these survey findings, Western Exterminator shared some personal anecdotes from respondents about their experiences with household pests. 

    These stories painted a vivid picture of the extensive damage pests can inflict on homes and personal belongings. Moreover, they highlighted the profound embarrassment and social isolation that pest infestations can cause.

    “My college roommate brought bed bugs into our dorm room. I still remember how itchy the bed bug bites were. I had to discard many clothes, books, and other items that had become contaminated.”

    The above respondent’s box spring, mattress seams, bed frame, and linens were among the items contaminated and discarded, as these are bed bugs’ favorite hiding places. Bed bugs feed on anyone and anything with a pulse, mainly at night time while you’re sleeping and can’t fight back.

    A giant rat infiltrated my pantry and chewed through all my food. It even gnawed through cans and packages. I was so disgusted that I ordered takeout for weeks because I couldn’t bear to cook in the kitchen afterward.”

    Read more: How to Get Rid of Rodents

    Spiders infested my basement to the point where I was scared to go down there. I could see webs in every corner and spiders crawling on the walls. No amount of bug spray helped get rid of them.”

    “My in-laws came over for Thanksgiving, and when I opened the cabinet to retrieve the fancy china, cockroaches started crawling out from everywhere. My mother-in-law screamed. I was mortified.”

    I started dating a great guy but then found out he had bed bugs. I stopped seeing him because I was worried about bringing them home. It was sad, but I couldn’t get past the stigma.”


    Is Pest Control a Worthy Investment?

    Considering the discomfort, guilt, and relational struggles that come with household pests, it’s clear that pest control is a worthwhile investment for most homeowners. Tolerating pests such as mice, bed bugs, and roaches is simply not an option for those who value their emotional well-being and social connections.

    While do-it-yourself (DIY) pest control approaches may appear to be a cost-effective option, hiring a professional pest management company is often the best way to effectively eliminate an existing infestation. Professional pest control experts have the skills, experience, and access to restricted-use pesticides to comprehensively eradicate pests from your home. This not only puts an end to ‌embarrassment but also provides peace of mind.


    Tips and Tricks to Avoid Pests like Mice and Bed Bugs

    Preventing pest infestations is essential to maintaining your emotional well-being and social life.  Here are some tips and tricks to keep common pests at bay:

    Mice and bed bugs can enter your home through small openings and crevices. Regularly inspect your home for cracks in walls, gaps around windows and doors, and holes in screens. Seal these entry points to prevent pests from entering your living space.

    Pests are attracted to food. Keep your kitchen clean and store food in airtight containers. Dispose of garbage regularly, and don’t leave pet food out overnight. These actions make your home less appealing to mice, roaches, and other pests.

    When traveling, thoroughly inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs. Check the mattress seams and any upholstered furniture for evidence of infestations. Don’t hesitate to ask for a room change if you suspect a problem.

    Knowing the signs of a bed bug infestation is crucial for early detection. Look for small reddish-brown bugs, tiny white eggs, and small black fecal spots on your mattress or bedding. If you see any of these signs, contact a pest control professional immediately.

    Repellents can help keep mice and other pests away. Consider using natural repellents like peppermint oil or chemical repellents to create a barrier that pests won’t cross.


    FAQs About Controlling Pests

    How much does professional pest control cost?

    The cost of professional pest control varies depending on factors such as the type of pest, the size of your home, and the extent of the infestation. On average, the cost can range from $90 to $600. Bed bug treatments, which often require extensive labor, can range from $200 to $1,500. Larger infestations or commercial properties may incur higher costs.


    What’s the most effective DIY pest control option?

    For minor pest problems, DIY solutions like sprays, traps, and baits can be effective when correctly applied. However, for severe infestations, professionals typically use restricted-use chemicals that tend to be more effective.


    When should I call a professional exterminator rather than attempting DIY pest control?

    Call a professional exterminator if you’re dealing with a large infestation. You should also call a professional exterminator if you are uncertain about applying treatments, wish to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, or have already tried DIY solutions without success.


    What are the signs of a pest infestation, such as termites or bed bugs?

    Look for visible damage, droppings, shed skins, egg cases, live pests, and other pieces of evidence. Termites often leave behind mud tubes and chew through wood. Bed bugs create dark stains from their dried fecal matter. To confirm the presence of pests, consider a professional inspection.


    How can I prevent future pest problems?

    To reduce the risk of pest problems, seal any cracks or crevices through which pests could enter your home. Store food in airtight containers, declutter infrequently used areas, repair plumbing leaks, inspect your luggage and belongings when traveling, and consider scheduling annual professional pest control treatments. These steps will help you stay pest-free and avoid the emotional and social consequences of infestations.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Jordan Tyler Quinn Farkas

    Jordan Tyler Quinn Farkas

    Expert Writer & Reviewer

    Jordan Tyler Quinn Farkas is a globetrotting content writer hailing from the USA. With a passion for pest control, he brings a unique perspective to his writing from his early years working for one of the largest pest control companies in America. Throughout his early 20s, Jordan gained valuable experience and knowledge in the field, tackling pest infestations head-on and ensuring the well-being of countless homes.

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    photo of Casey Daniel

    Casey Daniel

    Casey Daniel is a writer and editor with a passion for empowering readers to improve their homes and their lives. She has written and reviewed content across multiple topics, including home improvement, lawn and garden care, sustainability, and health and wellness. When she’s not reviewing articles, Casey is usually playing board games, repainting her bathroom, or quilting.

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